Certification Information

"Skills Standards" are buzzwords for businesses, educators, and government today. IAAP has had a very effective standard-setting program in place since 1951: The Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS®) rating. Subject areas of the CPS Examination include Finance and Business Law, Office Systems and Administration, and Management. An additional advanced certification program is also available. 

The Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) program covers an expanded scope of administrative skill and knowledge. The CAP designation builds on the existing CPS rating and includes sections on finance and business law, office systems and administration, management, and organizational planning. IAAP's Institute for Certification oversees and administers the CPS and CAP programs. For more information about certification and a copy of the review guide, click here.

Give Yourself the Career Advantage...

Professional Certification

In today's ever-changing business environment, you need every advantage to stay on top. Professional certification shows employers, clients and associates that you are committed as a professional.

Certification is a mark of excellence that you carry with you everywhere you go.

IAAP offers the Certified Professional Secretary® (CPS®) rating and the Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) rating.

Why certification?

Certification will enhance your career success through:

Job Advancement
Certification gives you a competitive edge for promotion and hiring.
Professional Skills
You will learn more about office operations and build your skills by studying for and taking the CPS or CAP exam.
Salary
A recent IAAP Membership Profile study shows that CPS holders earn an average of $2,228 more per year than those who do not have certification.
Esteem
Attaining certification demonstrates to your employer and yourself that you are committed as a professional.
College Credit
Many college and universities offer course credit for studying for and passing the CPS exam.

Who's eligible?

You may take the CPS or CAP exam if you have at least two years of work experience as an administrative professional in the past 15 years, varying according to your level of college education. Students or teachers in a college business education program also may qualify to take the CPS examination.

Taking the Examination

The CPS examination is a one-day exam, with three parts. The CAP exam is a one and one-half day exam, with four parts. The exams are administered each May and November, at over 250 locations across the United States, Canada, and other countries.

The Exams cover:

 

Part 1 CPS and CAP Exams

Office Systems and Technology

 

Part 2 CPS and CAP Exams

Office Administration

 

Part 3 CPS and CAP Exams

Management

 

Part 4 CAP Exam only

Advanced Organizational Management

 

The examinations include a mix of three levels of questions designed to test (1) basic

knowledge such as facts and terminology; (2) understanding of concepts, procedures, and

principles; and (3) application of concepts. Examination questions in the first three parts

appear in the multiple-choice format (one best response). The fourth part of the advanced

exam is a scenario based multiple-choice exam, also with one best answer.

 

Parts 1–3 of the CPS and CAP exams primarily focus on testing the candidates’ knowledge

of a single concept in a single question. In contrast, part four of the CAP exam is designed

to measure the candidate’s ability to properly analyze a situation, determine the critical factors of the situation and properly apply a wide range of knowledge in a variety of situations. While candidates will not be successful on part four unless they have a solid theoretical foundation, this part is designed to test critical thinking skills and the ability to properly apply sound managerial concepts.

Plus...

Test Preparation:
The Certification Review Guide is available from the International Association of Administrative Professionals to help prepare you for the exam. The guide contains the examination outline, bibliography, sample questions and other tips. Many colleges and IAAP chapters also offer review courses to provide thorough exam preparation.
Ongoing Education:
Each year IAAP holds a three-day seminar offering advanced professional education. Every CPS and CAP recipient and examination registrant is eligible to attend.
Recertification:
CPS holders are required to recertify every five years, assuring that you remain abreast of new technologies, techniques and issues in the profession. Recertification will also be required for CAP holders.

 

 
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